Act No. 197

Public Acts of 2022

Approved by the Governor

October 7, 2022

Filed with the Secretary of State

October 7, 2022

Effective Date: October 7, 2022

Summary of the Bill:

This bill, known as Senate Bill No. 311, is an amendment to the election laws in Michigan. It specifically focuses on the voting rights and procedures for absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters.

Key Points of the Bill:

An absent uniformed services voter or an overseas voter who is not registered can apply for registration using the federal postcard application.
The clerk of a county, city, or township must electronically transmit a blank voter registration application or absent voter ballot application to the voter upon request.
A spouse or dependent of an overseas voter who is a U.S. citizen and accompanying the overseas voter can apply for an absent voter ballot even if they are not a qualified elector in the state.
An absent uniformed services voter or an overseas voter, whether registered or not, can apply for an absent voter ballot.
The county, city, or township clerk must electronically transmit or mail an absent voter ballot to each absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter who applied for one 45 days or more before the election.
An absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter can electronically return a voted ballot to the appropriate city or township clerk under certain conditions defined by the secretary of state.
The secretary of state is responsible for establishing procedures for the electronic transmission and return of absentee voter ballots.
The secretary of state must ensure the integrity and secrecy of voted ballots returned electronically.
The secretary of state must promulgate rules that establish policies and procedures for the electronic return of voted ballots by eligible members.
The bill includes definitions for terms such as "absent uniformed services voter," "member of the merchant marine," and "overseas voter."

Enacting Clause:

This bill will not take effect unless Senate Bill No. 8 of the 101st Legislature is enacted into law.

Communications: Mail